drift
noun
have been drifting
-
present perfect progressiveof drift.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After a massive run-up at the start of the Iran war, oil prices have been drifting lower amid signs of a possible peace deal that could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
From Barron's ● May 29, 2026
"They said they have been drifting at sea for a month."
From BBC ● Dec. 25, 2022
Retail sales have been drifting lower since last summer.
From New York Times ● Jun. 8, 2022
Many asteroids have been drifting in the cold of space for millions or even billions of years without exhibiting any geologic change.
From Salon ● Feb. 8, 2022
So do I leave us upon this ship anchored by a smoldering, desolate town, where we have been drifting for more than a month, sickly with the smallpox, which only spreads its infamous depredations.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson
